by B. T. Narro
“My bastial stars,” Alex said with a chuckle. “If you can learn to control portals, we might be able to end this war before it even begins by assassinating Tauwin.”
“That proves even more that I need to practice.”
“It beckons a question, though,” Effie added. “Your first portals were made without an akorell stone. So what will happen when you use one to create the portal?”
They fell silent as they waited for someone to suggest a theory.
The Redfield bell startled them all. Effie pounded the table. “It’s too damn loud!”
She calmed instantly as Alex put his hand on her back.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Cleve had been waiting for this Redfield announcement since he first heard of Tauwin Takary’s takeover of the capital. Although Cleve had no immediate family living in the cities, he still needed to know what had happened to the people of Kyrro. Had a civil war broke out among the cities, or was the Academy the only opposition to Tauwin?
If he managed to take the three cities of Kyrro in a single day, how much longer can we hold out against his army?
Reela could always use psyche to find Cleve no matter where he sat in the stadium, so he and Steffen made sure a spot was available for her as thousands of students began taking their seats. Reela didn’t have friends outside of their circle, which had surprised Cleve when she’d first told him.
“The psychics train against each other,” she’d explained. “We cause severe pain to one another, and then we can sense each other’s bitterness when the duel’s over. That’s too difficult for most to overcome.”
“But I often have to hurt my fellow warriors just like you hurt your fellow psychics,” he’d argued. “Yet we make light of it by taunting each other.”
“There’s one crucial difference between warriors and psychics,” Reela had replied. “Psychics can’t hide their emotions from each other. You would be surprised to find out how much people’s expressions conceal.”
It was a sad thought Cleve didn’t want to believe. “Are you saying warriors wouldn’t be friends if we could read each other’s emotions?”
“Perhaps some of you could still be friends, you and Alex for example. But most of you wouldn’t enjoy each other’s company as much.”
He’d seen other psychics who were friends, and he brought this up to Reela. She’d formed the sly smile he’d grown to love and told him, “I didn’t say all psychics can’t be friends, just that none want to be my friend.”
“How could that be?”
“Because I’m so much stronger than they are. They’re jealous, and they know I can feel it. That makes for an uncomfortable social situation. The only time I came close to making friends was when I had that hideous scar.” She touched her cheek. “There was no jealousy, then. But I’m still much happier without it.”
Cleve was reminded of this conversation whenever he noticed Reela alone in situations in which others were with friends. Walking somewhere, eating at the dining hall, entering the stadium…it didn’t matter, she never had company outside of their close group of friends or the occasional instructor, usually not a psychic one, for they were equally as intimidated by her as her fellow students were.
She was so beautiful, he wondered if he was the reason she didn’t have more men chasing after her. Or maybe they were deterred by her Elven ears that peeked out of her dark blond hair.
She sat down between him and Steffen and leaned in to kiss his cheek. Whether it was from psyche or not, the warmth of her breath and the feel of her soft lips on his skin often caused a burst of prickles that swam out from the point of her touch.
“Do you already know what this is about, Steffen?” Reela asked.
“I do.”
“Good news or bad?”
“That depends on your expectations,” he said flatly as he watched Terren stride into the center of the arena.
The headmaster raised his arms for silence, commanding it quickly. “I know you all are eager for news of Tauwin’s army. I’ll get to that in a moment. Unfortunately, I must first bring up an issue of theft. Safli flowers have gone missing from the Academy’s garden. You should all be aware by now that no students without explicit permission are allowed over the fence and into the field of plants for our chemists. Whoever has been taking safli flowers is most likely a chemist with the ability to melt them into a potion and knows what they’re used for. If anyone knows this individual, please report him or her to any chemist instructor immediately. If you are this individual, stop this theft and come see me or any chemist instructor so we can help you. There will be punishment if you don’t let us help you.”
As murmurs of confusion spread around the stadium, Cleve asked Steffen what safli flowers were used for.
“Pure safli mixed with bastial energy into a potion causes heavy drowsiness with vivid dreams. Jack Rose thinks the thief is someone having trouble sleeping. But there are many other ways to rest. Safli can be dangerous. Take too much of it, or combine it with enough alcohol, and there’s no waking up again.”
Terren gave a similar warning to the entire assembly in the stadium. But then he ended with a statement that shocked everyone. “If safli is found in your possession, we’ll expel you from the Academy. Don’t let it come to that. We need everyone working together and following our rules. All of you should take this as a lesson: If you have a problem, speak to us about it. Don’t steal or hurt others. Now on to other matters.
“Six of our best scouts, an instructor and fellow students of yours, have returned unharmed from investigating our three cities: Kyrro City, Oakshen, and Trentyre. The capital and Oakshen have fallen to Tauwin, but Trentyre is still engaged in combat. Trenches have been dug circling the northern border of the city, and trees of Raywhite Forest are being chopped down to provide better visibility. Some of you may be surprised to find out who’s leading the stand in Trentyre. Before I give you his name, let me first assure you that his son is a trusted first-year here at the Academy and the only first-year mage in Group One. His family may have a confusing history to those who don’t understand it, but Basen Hiller and his father, Henry, are completely allegiant to defending Kyrro from Tauwin’s illegal and barbaric takeover.”
Over the chatter, one voice rang out, “He’s alive?”
Cleve caught sight of Basen standing and calling out to Terren.
“Yes, Henry Hiller is alive and leading the surviving army of the late King Kerr. We’re in the process of setting up communications with him. Please sit, and I will continue.”
Alex, with a bright smile, coaxed Basen back down as it appeared the mage was fighting against the urge to run all the way to Trentyre. It was about ten miles, but Cleve figured if anyone could make it there without stopping, it would be him or Basen.
Cleve was born in Trentyre, and it gave him some sense of pride to know that it was the last city standing, beside the small town of Gendock by the sea.
“I hope Henry Hiller is a good leader,” he mentioned, figuring Steffen might have something to say on the subject.
“He helped Tegry Hiller in the war against us, and there are rumors that his specialty was preventing rebellion through cunning tactics, not honorable battle strategy. If he’s the only man to lead the remaining army, so be it, but I think his methods might be unorthodox, as Tegry’s were.”
Terren continued his announcement. “It seems that Tauwin had planned to take all three cities and the Academy yesterday, leaving just Gendock to be overrun today. But his assassination attempt on me failed, and supporting survivors of Kerr who made it out of the capital and Oakshen went south to Trentyre and fought back the incursion. Now this is how we stand, with numbers of troops still to be counted. The three cities and the Academy are separated by Raywhite Forest. We’re on the northern edge, while our allies, in Trentyre, are unfortunately the farthest city from us, at the southern edge. Tauwin has fortified Kyrro City on the northwestern side of the forest and Oakshen on the northeaster
n side. Positioning dictates that we’ll be the next target instead of Trentyre, and the battle may be as soon as tomorrow.”
Terren hurried to continue before voices of concern became too loud. “If you hear the Redfield bell ring three times, then it means an announcement is to be made. Come to the stadium as soon as possible. But if it rings more than three times—if it rings constantly, then it means our wall guards see an army approaching. Meet with your group instructors at your designated area for further instruction.” He pushed up his hands to quiet the budding murmurs of fear.
“The scale of this war is small, and help awaits if we can make contact. Javy Rayvender was sent to manage Tenred castle after the last war. He’s loyal to me and the late King Kerr. We’re looking to find a way to reach him, but the Fjallejon Pathway has been taken by Tauwin’s men, and their scouts are watching the only other route, to the east. We have sent every messenger pigeon we had, but we believe they were shot down by Tauwin’s men on the Fjallejon Pathway. Trying to take the pathway is impossible with our lesser numbers, but we will find a way to reach Tenred and enlist their support.
“As you should be able to tell by now, our planning is rudimentary. Trust that we will come to the best plan shortly and take back our land from Tauwin. All we need from you is to be strong and brave as you follow orders. We’ve defended our walls against everything that has ever tried to take them down, Krepps, Dajriks, and against armies with twice our numbers. We will defend the Academy as long as needed—until we find a way to take back our cities!”
Everyone applauded. Cleve trusted his uncle and knew his comrades did as well. Terren would see them through this as he had before.
When the applause died down, Steffen stood and raised his hand.
Terren pointed to him. “Steffen Duroby.”
“What about the Slugari, headmaster? What is your plan with them?”
Cleve hadn’t thought of the slug-like creatures bursting with bastial energy. They’d been living deep beneath Kyrro, a few entrances to their colony hidden in Raywhite Forest. Without their help, the previous war might’ve been lost.
“Unfortunately,” Terren said, “Tauwin’s men seem to have scared them into fleeing. The colony was abandoned when we checked earlier today.”
“May I suggest that we search for them, sir?” Steffen seemed nervous speaking in front of thousands, his voice shaking. Cleve admired his courage for overcoming the discomfort to give his opinion.
“Thank you, Steffen, but now is not the time for suggestions. Instructors are to come back to the dining hall with me for more discussion of strategy. You students are free to visit your instructors at their homes later tonight or speak with them tomorrow if you have questions or suggestions. You are dismissed. Get to sleep early, no social gatherings, no drinking. Save celebration for when it’s appropriate. I assure you…it will be one day soon.”
Terren’s voice rose to a roar as everyone started filing out. “Tauwin Takary plans to decimate anyone who isn’t loyal to him! If Tauwin takes over Kyrro, he will see to increasing his power, his wealth, and the force of his army while allowing the well-being of his people to slip from his mind.”
Everyone stopped to listen to Terren’s impromptu speech.
“Tauwin believes he deserves the throne, not because he’s the best king for his people, but because the throne was taken from his ancestors before he had a chance to rule. He’s a wealthy brat who’s started this war because of grudges, revenge, and a hunger for fame—the opposite of honor. He’s ruined the chance for us to show him mercy. Remember this as the days go on, as the dead from the capital and Oakshen are identified and counted, and their names are brought to us. Some may be your family, your friends. You can let yourself be saddened, you can grieve. But remember that it was Tauwin who did this. Show him and his followers no mercy!”
After a long applause, Cleve, Reela, and Steffen finally made their way out of the stadium.
“Unfortunately Tauwin has the advantage thus far,” Steffen said with no preamble. “We have no chance to be offensive unless we enlist help from Tenred.”
“Or the Elves and the Krepps,” Cleve suggested, eyeing Reela.
“I was thinking just the Elves, because why would the Krepps want to help us?”
“There must be something we can offer them.”
Steffen laughed snidely. “The Krepps were trying to kill us less than a year ago, and you think they can be trusted?”
“At least a few of them can.” And these few might be able to lead their kin. “Zoke and his sister.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Reela said. “Unless we can find the village in Merejic, what help can they offer? We’ve never said it aloud, Cleve, but it’s time to admit that we almost died when we got lost in that forest.” She put her hand on his arm. “I don’t want to go back there. There were sights and sounds we could never explain that come back to me in my nightmares.”
Cleve silently agreed. “I hope your brother’s all right there.”
“Cleve, you know your uncle well,” Steffen said. “Will he consider sending some of us to Merejic?”
“Do you think he should?”
“I do.”
“Then I would assume he will. I just hope that if I must go, I don’t miss any battles while I’m gone.”
Annah caught up to them on Reela’s side and asked her, “Do you mind if I speak with you?”
“I don’t mind,” Reela replied.
But Annah seemed somewhat disappointed when Reela didn’t offer to go somewhere they could speak privately. She cleared her throat and settled her nervous blue eyes on Reela’s piercing green ones.
“I don’t know how, but I want us to be friends. You can use psyche to tell I’m being genuine.”
“Why do you want my friendship in particular?” Reela could be so direct at times. Effie had often said it was the reason she never did well with men before Cleve, especially when she always called them on their lies.
“A few reasons, none that I’m too proud of.” Annah hung her head and glanced at Cleve and Steffen.
The polite thing to do would be to give them some privacy, but Steffen, as brilliant as the man was, picked up on social cues about as well as a child.
Cleve was curious about what Annah had to say, anyway. He felt some guilt as he remained at Reela’s side, but that didn’t stop him from doing it.
“It’s all right,” Reela encouraged. “What is it?”
“I only have one friend right now. Basen. And it’s difficult when my only friend is a male mage, who lives with me…and who’s…you know.”
Reela giggled. “I know exactly what you mean.”
Annah seemed to relax somewhat, her footsteps more confident as she walked with their group. “I was bitter when I was forced to live with all of you because I felt unfairly judged. But rather than give you all a chance to see my real self, I held on to my grudge that you weren’t accepting me. I shouldn’t have done that, and I’m sorry. The potential loss of my friends and family has made me realize that I can’t go through this on my own, as I’d first thought. I’m a good psychic, and I know I can be a good friend. I just haven’t given myself the opportunity.”
“Then I think this might work,” Reela said with her coy smile. “Want to come back to our place for a little while?”
“I would, thank you.”
Cleve was surprised to see the two women link arms. He assumed there was more to their conversation than just their words, something deeper felt with psyche.
“It helps that you are with the first-year psychics,” Reela said. “Then we don’t have to compete against each other.”
“I was wondering why it seems like you have no psychic friends!”
Reela chuckled. “Exactly.”
“What did you mean about Basen?” Steffen asked.
“He’s handsome,” Cleve explained.
“That’s an understatement,” Annah murmured.
“Is that what you think, Re
ela?” Cleve felt inclined to know.
“Why don’t you first answer what you think about Alabell Kerr? We still haven’t spoken about you risking your life to save that stunning woman.”
“She’s beautiful, but no one compares to you.” He spoke with a smug smile, knowing she could use psyche to confirm his words were true.
Her mouth became crooked. “Sometimes you’re just so perfect it’s sickening.” She showed she was teasing by giving him a kiss.
“You still didn’t answer my question,” Cleve pressed.
She touched his temples with two fingers, and a spell of confusion stopped him dead. Disoriented, he couldn’t remember what they were speaking about or even where they were going.
“What was that for?”
“Nothing.” Reela smirked as Annah laughed.
“Oh, you have to teach me that, Reela.”
Cleve felt as if he should be angry, but he was too confused to know what to be angry about. This was the first time she’d done something like that. Cleve had been learning to resist psyche, but he still didn’t stand a chance against Reela when taken by surprise. Just as quickly as I’m getting better, she’s getting stronger.
She took Cleve’s face and kissed his cheek. “Sorry about that,” she whispered as Steffen spoke with Annah. “I thought it was a good chance to practice one of the more difficult spells I’ve been working on. The truth is, I’ve heard Basen’s name murmured between women many times, but he doesn’t do anything for me. No one does but you.”
